Video inspection system for hazardous environments

Abstract

A video inspection system for hazardous environments is provided, comprising a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including a valve for introducing pressurized gas into the housing, connected to the housing; and a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across the view opening; a camera for recording visual images through the view opening, mounted within the housing; and a power supply, for powering the camera, mounted within the housing and operatively connected to the camera. A method for operating the above system is also provided, including the steps of substantially purging undesirable gases from the interior of the housing; sealing the housing, eliminating external connections thereto; introducing non-flammable gas to the interior of the housing until the pressure in the housing reaches a desired level; and operating the camera within the housing. The system may also be operated as a portable lighting system without the camera and may utilize fiber optics communications to transmit contemporaneous signals from the camera in a hazardous environment.

I claim: 
     
       1. A video inspection system for hazardous environments, comprising: a. a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including: i. a means for introducing pressurized gas into said housing, connected to said housing; and   ii. a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across said view opening;     b. a camera means for recording visual images through said view opening, mounted within said housing and having a video output;   c. a power supply, for powering said camera means, mounted within said housing and operatively connected to said camera means; and   d. a means for converting a video signal to a light signal and transmitting said light signal, operatively connected to said video output of said camera means.   
     
     
       2. A video inspection system for hazardous environments according to claim 1, wherein said means for converting a video signal to a light signal and transmitting said light signal includes a fiber optics transmitter, connected to said video output of said camera means, and fiber optics cable, connected on one end to said transmitter and on the other end to a fiber optics receiver remote from said housing, and wherein said housing is sealed at the point where said fiber optics cable exits said housing. 
     
     
       3. A video inspection system for hazardous environments, comprising: a. a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including: i. a means for introducing pressurized gas into said housing, connected to said housing; and   ii. a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across said view opening;     b. a camera means for recording visual images through said view opening, mounted within said housing and having a video output;   c. a power supply, for powering said camera means, mounted within said housing and operatively connected to said camera means;   d. a means for preventing operation of said camera means when the pressure within said housing is below a desired level, mounted within said housing and operatively connected between said camera means and said power source; and wherein said power source and the connections between said means for preventing operation of said camera means and said power source are sealed within a solid block of non-conductive material.     
     
     
       4. A video inspection system for hazardous environments according to claim 3, further comprising: e. a purge gas tank mounted within said housing;   f. a means for releasing gas from said purge gas tank when the pressure within said housing falls below a desired level, mounted within said housing and connected to said purge gas tank; and   g. a cutoff valve connected between said purge gas tank and said means for releasing gas from said purge gas tank, said cutoff valve having a valve stem extending sealingly through said housing.